Clinton began the speech by saying, "We are fortunate to be alive at this moment in history. Never before has our nation enjoyed, at once, so much prosperity and social progress with so little internal crisis or so few external threats. Never before have we had such a blessed opportunity and, therefore, such a profound obligation to build the more perfect union of our founders' dreams." Clinton discussed many topics in the address, including education, health care, crime, the global economy, technology, and the environment.[1]

It was Clinton's last State of the Union address. He left office on January 20, 2001. It was also the longest State of the Union address in recorded history at 1:29.

This State of the Union address is notable for being the first since Reagan's 1986 State of the Union Address that all 9 members of the Supreme Court were absent. It is speculated that their absence was due to Clinton's recent impeachment.[2]